LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 8, 2014) - For over 30 years, Last Chance for Animals (LCA) has played a leading role in the investigation, prosecution and conviction of USDA licensed Class B dealers, who provide "random source dogs" to research facilities for cruel and invasive experiments. The dealers often provide stolen companion animals or procure animals from breeders, shelters, auctions and "free to good home" ads. Class B dealers are known for the horrible abuses inflicted on the animals and the filthy conditions they are kept in.
LCA was the first animal rights group to procure state and federal prison sentences for Class B dealers. HBO's Emmy-nominated documentary, Dealing Dogs, profiled LCA'S harrowing undercover investigation and subsequent bust of one of the nation's most notorious and prolific Class B dealers.
As of October 2014, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest funder of biomedical research in the US, has stopped funding research that involves dogs obtained from Class B dealers.
The National Academies' Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, which advises the federal government on issues related to animals used in research, stated in their report released in May 2009 entitled, "Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research," that it is not necessary to obtain animals from Class B dealers for National Institute of Health research. All members of the National Academy of Sciences committee viewed LCA's HBO documentary "Dealing Dogs" as part of their deliberations and LCA is recognized on page 80 of this report.
"This is a very long overdue victory for the animals. Fighting the federal government -- who has a lot to hide -- is not easy. After 30 years on the front lines fighting this abominable atrocity against people's companion animals, I am proud to say LCA is a major player in this victory. We have accomplished putting Class B dealers in jails, state and federal prisons, had USDA licenses permanently revoked and hundreds of acres of their lands confiscated. Companion animals around the country will be a little safer now." - Chris DeRose, LCA's Founder and President
This NIH ban follows a similar ban involving cats from Class B dealers which was adopted in 2012. LCA applauds both of these initiatives and continues to actively campaign against the use of live animals in scientific experimentations and Class A dealers who breed animals specifically for labs. For more info on LCA's Class B Dealer investigations, go to ww.DealingDogs.com.
Last Chance for Animals is an international animal advocacy organization that conducts undercover investigations and launches public awareness campaigns to expose animal cruelty. LCA's Special Investigations Unit travels the world to document abuse in research labs, puppy mills, factory farms and the entertainment industry.
